Page 124 of Fly's Path

Well, a sort of date. I need to leave now if I’m going to be on time.

“What’s wrong?”

The words won’t come out of my mouth.

“Something happened with the thing you can’t tell me about.”

I nod.

“And you have to leave again.”

“Yes. I don’t want to. This has been the best…second sort of date.”

She shakes her head. “Nope. This doesn’t count as a date. For it to count as a date, you need to officially ask me out and plan something fun. We just hung out at a friend’s event.”

“So is this your way of telling me I need to ask you out again soon?”

She takes a step forward and wraps her arm around my shoulder. “It could definitely be.”

“Message received.” I lean forward and give her a peck on the lips. “But now I’ve got to go.”

“Will you be back tonight?”

“Probably not.”

“Will you have more bruises when you come back?”

That woman asks the right questions. “Possibly.”

Her brows wrinkle.

Is she about to ask me not to go?

Would I stay here if she asked me?

I’d hate it, but I’d probably say yes to whatever she asked, then regret it.

“Stay safe.”

What?!? “That’s all you’re asking of me?”

She shrugs. “Yeah. You showed me the man you are. And I respect your decision. Just be careful and stay as safe as possible.”

Those words change nothing and everything. Forever just took on a deeper meaning…

***

I step out of the castle as Havoc, Rogue, and Bishop are getting into their vehicles.

“Want a ride?” Havoc asks.

That might mean waiting for a ride back to the castle. Though I doubt he’s going to tarry with Greer staying here. “Nah. I’ll take my bike.”

“Sheri good with this, or do we need to worry about Vex killing you?” Rogue teases.

“He doesn’t need to worry, but you do.” Vex’s voice booms from behind me.

I’d jump, but that would show weakness, which isn’t something you do with a predator like Vex.